Public Transport in the Philippines

Something that foreigners like myself find challenging in a place like the Philippines is learning to get around on the many different forms of public transport. In the Philippines there are 8 major forms: Taxi, FX, Train, Bus, Jeepney, Tricycle, Motorcycle and Pedi cab.

• Taxi – The most expensive form of public transport and sometimes prone to be a little more expense than necessary if one doesn’t insist on using the meter or has no idea where they are going. The best tip is to agree on the location and using the meter before getting in. Once you are in exhaust your knowledge of the Tagalog language so that the driver thinks you know what you’re doing and where you’re going. But be careful, it can backfire if you have no idea what you’re saying or the taxi driver becomes very friendly and asks for your phone number!
• FX – An FX is like a long wheel base 4WD with two passengers in the front with the driver, four in the back seat (I advise against the middle seats as the steel supports under the seat become a literal “pain in the butt” after 5-10 minutes) and then four are seated sideways opposite each other in the back/boot/trunk/storage area (pick your terminology). It costs up to 40P or (1AUD or 0.75USD) for a long trip. But the advantage is that its still air conditioned, well most of the time anyway.
• Train – The next form of transportation in order of price (but often faster than driving) is the train. It costs about 15 PhP (0.40AUD or 0.30USD) for a one way trip from one end of the line to the other. which has 3 main lines in Manila. The MRT, LRT and LRTA. I use the MRT often and find it comfortable enough with its air conditioning and occasional available seat.
• Bus – Next in the list of relatively comfortable and inexpensive longer transportation methods is the bus. But there’s “aircon” and “air” con buses. Just make sure on the longer trips in an air conditioned bus to take a sweater or jacket as Filipinos like extremes. They crank the air conditioning to highest level whenever possible! And be aware that out in the province it can get very full on the smaller buses. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that Filipino buses are not built with western people in mind. The seats are closer together and I inevitably find myself with my average length white western legs forced against the seat in front or out in the aisle. It's hard to give prices but a long overnight trip to the mountains might cost you up to 300-400P (10AUD or 7.50USD) but a short ride in the city would only set you back 10P (0.30AUD or 0.25USD)
• Jeepney – Then comes the famous jeepneys which are probably the best example of “sardinization” I can find in the Philippines. In other words people cram themselves inside like sardines. They have a set route and cost a minimum of 6PhP and anywhere up to about 20PhP but average about 10P (0.30AUD or 0.25USD). Needless to say, they are not air conditioned. You sit sideways trying not to stare at the people opposite you despite that everyone else in the jeepney is staring at your pigmentation. Just keep in mind that you need to know the route you are taking quite well or make some new friends on board because it's very difficult to see landmarks outside. Oh, in the province you might be forced or choose to ride on the roof of a jeepney. It can be quite dangerous though so think it through carefully. The drivers have spent a little too much time dreaming that they are Colin McRae or Michael Schumacher. And with a vehicle that is quite top heavy cornering can be an interesting experience on top. But by far away the more interesting experience is dodging the electric wires in some provincial areas. I once found myself “astride one of these mighty beasts” ducking and weaving to avoid the electrical wires which were coming so close to us perched on sacks of rice that we often had to lay down flat on our backs in order to avoid being knocked off like dominoes. Just don’t tell my mum about it ok! Shhh…
• Tricycle – The next famous form of public transport is the tricycle. A motorcycle fixed with double shock absorbers and a side car can seriously hold up to 2-3 behind the driver, 5-6 inside and even a few hanging off the back on top. I’ve tried every position and enjoyed the experience sitting cross legged on top sipping my fresh buko (young coconut) juice straight from the fruit. There were only a few times I needed to hold on for dear life! Tricycles normally operate within a certain area in the city like a subdivision and can cost per person (5-10PhP) or a special of one to two people (20-40PhP) depending on the length of the trip and how well you can negotiate with the driver. In the province different areas have different designs. Pagadian for example has the side car set on a 45 degree angle so that you sit back into the car as you ascend and descend the steep road to and from the bus terminal and the city centre. You could probably walk up the hill faster than the tricycle but the experience is well worth it.
• Motorcycle – By far the craziest form of transport is by motorcycle. They cost a similar price to tricycles but go door to door in provincial areas. I know it might seem innocent enough. “Just hop on the back of the rider”. I used to think that way until I saw up to 10 people on one motorcycle. How is that possibel you ask? They attached planks of wood on the back which people straddle and then put weights on the front forks to maintain the balance. I’ve only been on with 4 other people and our luggage. One in front of the and driver, me straddling the luggage tied to the side with my arms full of 2 or 3 backpacks, then two passengers behind me with their hands full too. This was on dirt roads at around 60kph mind you. Despite the cowboy style legs sticking out both sides of the bike causing me to stretch myself more than I cared to, it felt surprisingly stable and comfortable. It’s a different story as the driver though. I took two other people on a scooter down dirt roads a few times and now admire these guys who manage to sit so awkwardly but drive with so much control and poise.
• Pedi cab – The final form of public transportation is the pedi cab which is the same as a tricycle but under pedal power rather than engine power. Consequently, you travel much shorter distances, much slower and at a lot less cost. Maybe 10P door to door. I rarely use them because I can usually walk the same distance and feel lazy if I take one. But it does help the small young guys with legs like tree trunks to make a living.